Has anyone ever seen Saddams old spokesman, Baghdad Bob, and Bob Gibbs, PBOs press secretary, in the same room? When it comes to denying reality, they are cut from the same cloth. And there was that story today about the doctor claiming to have cloned people . . .
Really, is there anything Gibbs wont say on behalf of his boss? Ive put together for your delectation a video montage of the latest example of Gibbs truth-defying act. Its a step-by-step demonstration of how Gibbs yesterday denied the undeniable: that Pres. Obama changed positions when it comes to the possibility of prosecuting Bush administration members involved in authorizing the use of interrogation techniques now deemed verboten.
The clip consists of:
1. Rahm Emanuel on Sunday telling George Stephanopoulous that the officials who devised the interrogation policies should not be prosecuted either.
2. Gibbs himself, asked on Monday why the Bush administration lawyers who wrote memos supporting the legality of the interrogation techniques should not be prosecuted, saying they wouldnt because the president is focused on looking forward. Thats why.
3. PBO signaling the shift yesterday, saying that with respect to those who formulated those legal decisions, I would say that that that is going to be more of a decision for the Attorney General, within the parameters of various laws, and I dont want to pre-judge that.
4. And finally, Gibbs back at the White House podium yesterday after PBO spoke, managing to keep a straight face in this exchange with Chip Reid of CBS.
CHIP REID: Are you suggesting, are you saying, that there was absolutely no change in policy today?
ROBERT GIBBS: Uh, I, I would, uh, uh, again I would point you to what the president said.
REID: Did he change his policy today?
GIBBS: I dont think so.
Over at Contentions, Jennifer Rubin has described Gibbs, when it comes his evasions, insults and ad hominem attacks, as being in a league of his own among press secretaries. Too true, at least when it comes to the American League. But well always have Bagh
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